Graham leaves hospital after routine tests

Oct. 24, 2013

Rev. Billy Graham at his home in Montreat. / David K Morrison / Special to the Citizen-Times

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ASHEVILLE — ASHEVILLE The Rev. Billy Graham was scheduled to be released from Mission Hospital after routine tests, a spokesman said today.

The Montreat evangelist, who will turn 95 next month, went in for a regularly scheduled doctor’s visit Tuesday and spent two nights in the hospital for further pulmonary testing. He was due to be released this morning, said Jeremy Blume, a spokesman with the DeMoss Group.

Graham will celebrate his birthday Nov. 7 with a large celebration. Graham's son Franklin said that between 600-700 people have been invited to the party, including President Bill Clinton, former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin and real estate mogul Donald Trump. The elder Graham will attend, but won't give a speech.

Franklin says his father has round-the-clock care, but still thinks and speaks very clearly. On the 95th birthday, the ministry is releasing a new video of Graham from his home as part of a nationwide religious outreach called "My Hope."